I had the great fortune of living in Santa Monica for 4 years and loved almost every minute, the 405 and the 10 freeways were the banes of my existence…but what Angeleno really enjoys sitting in traffic?

My time is Santa Monica was great both personally and professionally. Who wouldn’t love slipping off their shoes for work and running around on the beach capturing fun family moments? Or better yet, playing at Pacific Park, the games and the bright colorful rides all make for fun portraits too!

All within a half mile are some beautiful locations, both out in the open and some hidden gems as well! Here are some of my favorites from Santa Monica, and these are only in a small part of Santa Monica, the city truly lends itself beautifully to photography.

Fun under the pier (Santa Monica Photographer)

Love the balloons on the beach (Santa Monica Photographer)

By the pier, love the light! (Santa Monica Photographer)

Expecting! Fun and colorful announcement! (Santa Monica Photographer)

Love the colors and the light! (Santa Monica Photographer)

Under the Santa Monica pier (Santa Monica Photographer)

Under the pier (Santa Monica Photographer)

Under the Pier (Santa Monica Photographer)

Santa Monica Pier fun! (Santa Monica Photographer)

Bright and colorful! (Santa Monica Photographer)

By the Ferris Wheel! (Santa Monica Photographer)

On the sand by the pier (Santa Monica Photographer)

Sunset is gorgeous! (Santa Monica Photographer)

Fun getting your toes wet! (Santa Monica Photographer)

Taking a walk for portraits can lead to some great spots (Santa Monica Photographer)

Here we are, already in August, how quickly that happens!!! I hope you’re enjoying your summer, the long hot days, and the wonderfully warm nights too. I hope you’ve had amazing adventures with your family and friends, I know I’ve had some amazing times with new friends in the wilderness, and enjoying time exploring locally. I even had the opportunity to foster an energetic kitten for a little bit while he recovered and learned how cushy life can be indoors.

I know we’re only in early August here, but I know some of kiddos are getting ready to go back to school, parents are rejoicing, and the routines of ‘regular’ life will soon be back.

For me in photography, this is the time I start to look forward to the holiday season (and every year it never ceases to blow my mind! I’ve been doing this for 12 years, and every year, it’s “the holidays are only 4 months away! WHAAAAT?!?). I am beginning to think about locations for photo sessions, and I began thinking about some of my favorite locations around the South Bay.

I have lived in the South Bay of Los Angeles for over 4 years, and I fall in love with the Manhattan Beach pier with every shoot .

The pier itself lends for pretty architectural lines both underneath as well as while serving as a backdrop. Under the pier at sunset has some of the best lighting around, especially when the sun sets right through the opening….the reflections at low tide make for amazing details, and even in winter, the water lapping at your toes is incredibly refreshing!

I’m sharing some of my favorite images from previous photo sessions at the Manhattan Beach pier. If you live anywhere near, it’s pretty much a requirement to have your portraits taken there!

All images are owned by Julia Varga and are protected by National and International Copyright Laws. Please do not download, print or other wise alter or manipulate any images. You can not use these images for any reason without my permission. Thanks!